Ozzy Osbourne put Birmingham on the map and never forgot his roots, says mayor
Mr Iqbal met the founding members of the heavy metal band – formed in the city in 1968 – when they were presented with the freedom of Birmingham in June.
A post shared by Black Sabbath (@blacksabbath)
He told the PA news agency: 'He (Osbourne) was very important and he was a proud Brummie. He loved the city. He will be much missed, I think, and he was loved by so many people in the city.
'I think he put Birmingham, and especially Aston, on the world map. He's done so much for the city and we honoured him with the freedom of the city as well, which we were grateful that he came (to) and received about six weeks ago.'
Terence 'Geezer' Butler, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Osbourne were all recognised for their significance to the cultural and musical identity of Birmingham and as pioneers of heavy metal in the city and beyond.
Mr Iqbal said: 'For me, personally, to meet him was the greatest honour for me… very humble guy, very down-to-earth guy. He spent, I think, a couple of hours in the council house just talking about Aston, Aston Villa Football Club, the people of Birmingham.
'We presented him with the scrolls and he spoke as well for a couple of minutes on that day, and the thing I love about him is that at the end of everything he said, he always said, 'Birmingham forever'. And he never forgot his roots, where he came from.'
The lord mayor also said he spoke to fans queueing up to sign a book of condolences, which was opened by a Birmingham museum hosting an exhibition dedicated to Osbourne.
'It's already a long queue people. I'm sure over the weekend there'll be hundreds of more people coming to sign the book', he said.
Speaking about plans to honour Osbourne, he added: 'Myself and the council will probably have a meeting around this subject and we will decide at a later date what we're going to be doing.
'I'm sure there's definitely going to be something, I'm not sure what that's going to be looking like at the moment but we will definitely do something.'
A post shared by Birmingham City Council (UK) (@bhamcitycouncil)
Richard Parker, mayor of the West Midlands, said he was 'very, very thankful' that Black Sabbath were given the freedom of Birmingham and that their final concert at Villa Park happened when it did.
Speaking at the Black Sabbath mural in the city on Wednesday, Mr Parker said: 'I was very fortunate to attend both events and I was just struck by the sense of goodwill and a sense of pride that he gave us all.
'I was just struck by how humble he and members of the band were and I just remember how much it meant to them.
'In retrospect, I think we're just very, very thankful that those two events happened when they did.'
He added: 'The fact that (Osbourne) came down here and wanted to play their final gig here meant a lot, and there was hardly a conversation he had that didn't mention where he came from and how much this city meant to him.'
Osbourne, who grew up in Aston, played a farewell gig at Villa Park on July 5 which saw him reunite with his Black Sabbath bandmates.
Among the bands performing were Anthrax, Metallica and Guns N'Roses, and there were messages of thanks from other celebrities, including Jack Black, Ricky Gervais and Dolly Parton.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Kelly Osbourne breaks her silence after dad Ozzy's funeral by sharing unique tribute to rock icon on Instagram
KELLY Osbourne has broken her silence following her father Ozzy's funeral. The Black Sabbath legend was laid to rest next to the lake in his Buckinghamshire home on Thursday. 12 Kelly Osbourne shared the pictured on Instagram Credit: Instagram/Kelly Osbourne 12 Kelly read the messages and floral tributes left at the Black Sabbath Bridge bench on Wednesday Credit: PA 12 Sharon Osbourne read tributes alongside daughter Kelly Osbourne at Ozzy's funeral procession on Wednesday Credit: i-Images His grieving daughter has now shared a picture of a wreath, which read: 'Ozzy f***ing Osbourne,' which was placed by the bank of the water. The emotional funeral service saw 110 of Ozzy's nearest and dearest join his wife Sharon and his children Jack, 39, Kelly, 40, Aimee, 41, and Louis, 50, who is Ozzy's son from his first marriage to Thelma Riley. A family friend told The Sun that Ozzy and Sharon's home was decorated with pictures of the Black Sabbath rocker - and that they had planned to give mourners a photograph of him to take home with them. They added: 'Ozzy's service was a beautiful tribute. As well as tears, there was laughter.' Stars including Ozzy's Black Sabbath bandmates, Metallica's James Hetfield, punk singer Yungblud and Sir Elton John were all at the service to say goodbye. Rock icon Marilyn Manson was also among the mourners who attended, after flying in from the US, along with Ozzy's guitarist Zakk Wylde and Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor. The road leading to Ozzy and Sharon's home, close to Gerrards Cross, was closed from 1pm. Guests were sent a simple black invitation with a picture of a cross that read: 'In loving memory of Ozzy Osbourne.' Mourners were transported from The Crowne Plaza and The Bull in Gerrards Cross to the house at 2pm, with the service starting at 3pm. Tents were erected in the 250-acre grounds of the house, which Ozzy and Sharon bought back in 1993, along with a stage where tributes were paid to Ozzy. Ozzy and Kelly Osbourne performing their version of Changes together A friend said: 'Everyone at the service just wanted to support Sharon and the kids, it has been an awful time. 'Toasts were raised, memories were shared - it was a very fitting goodbye. 'Ozzy wanted his final place of rest to be at home and he is buried at a beautiful point on the lake. 'As well as the 'Ozzy f***ing Osbourne' wreath, which made people smile, there was another floral tribute which spelt out 'Ozzy' that was placed by the fountain on the lake. 12 Kelly previously shared a heartwarming video of the pair in Ozzy's memory Credit: A&E 12 She also shared a sweet final video of Ozzy days before his death Credit: instagram/kellyosbourne 12 Sharon, Kelly and Jack all carried purple flowers wrapped in black paper to lay for Ozzy on Wednesday Credit: i-Images 'There was a stage where people including Yungblud, who grew very close to Ozzy in recent years, were set to pay tribute to him. 'The day was incredibly emotional. Pictures of Ozzy were dotted throughout the house and a photograph of him was given to everyone who attended to take home with them.' Rock icon Ozzy died "surrounded by love" at his home on Tuesday, July 22. Since then, Kelly has been remembering her dad with a series of emotional posts. In one video, the singer could be seen sitting around the kitchen table with family during Ozzy's final days. In another, she shared the lyrics to Changes - the Black Sabbath track that she and Ozzy famously re-recorded together in 2003. Last week, Kelly uploaded a third moving clip from the 2018 series Ozzy & Jack's World Detour, showing a sweet moment between father and daughter as they sang and danced together in a truck. The video showed Kelly in the driver's seat of a huge HGV, which the pair were using on a road trip. As Ozzy climbed in, Kelly told him: 'I've got this song in my head, I'm gonna have to play it for you.' She then pressed play on George Ezra's Paradise. Ozzy looked slightly confused as he heard the song for the first time, but as the chorus kicked in, a smile spread across his face. The pair began dancing in their seats, moving their arms, shaking their shoulders and enjoying the moment. As Kelly started driving, she said, 'I love you,' and without missing a beat, Ozzy replied, 'I love you more." 12 Kelly has shared a sting of sweet tributes Credit: Reuters 12 The family shared an incredibly close bond Credit: Getty 12 Kelly pictured with her father in 2014 Credit: Splash It comes as thousands of fans also paid tribute at Ozzy's funeral procession through Birmingham on Wednesday. Sharon and the family followed behind his cortege through the city. Sharon wore Ozzy's ring on a chain around her neck in memory of her late husband, while Kelly donned round sunglasses in a nod her father's famous look. Stoic Sharon and her rarely seen daughter Aimee also waved to the emotional crowd and gave peace signs to fans. They stood alongside Louis, Ozzy's son from his first marriage to Thelma Riley, who was donning a purple tie in honour of his father. Chants of "Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy" rang out, with many shouting messages of support for Sharon. One could be heard saying "we love you Sharon" as she laid flowers next to the cortege. Ozzy's name was displayed in the funeral cortege with vibrant purple flowers. The procession was lead by a live brass band formed with local musicians from Bostin' Brass in honour of Ozzy's legacy. Some fans displayed hand-painted banners, while others are holding Prince of Darkness themed balloons. Many in the crowd were showing off their Ozzy tattoos in honour of the late rock legend. The icon became known as the "Prince of Darkness" in his six-decade career thanks to his on-stage antics that attracted a legion of heavy rock fans. His death drew condolences from stars including Sir Rod Stewart, Noel Gallagher and Sir Elton John. 12 Sharon wore Ozzy's ring around her neck Credit: Goff 12 Ozzy's name was displayed using pink flowers at his funeral procession Credit: Alamy
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Kelly Osbourne breaks her silence after dad Ozzy's funeral by sharing unique tribute to rock icon on Instagram
KELLY Osbourne has broken her silence following her father Ozzy's funeral. The Black Sabbath legend was laid to rest next to the lake in his Buckinghamshire home on Thursday. 3 3 3 His grieving daughter has now shared a picture of a wreath, which read: 'Ozzy f***ing Osbourne,' which was placed by the bank of the water. The emotional funeral service saw 110 of Ozzy's nearest and dearest join his wife Sharon and his children Jack, 39, Kelly, 40, Aimee, 41, and Louis, 50, who is Ozzy's son from his first marriage to Thelma Riley. A family friend told The Sun that Ozzy and Sharon's home was decorated with pictures of the Black Sabbath rocker - and that they had planned to give mourners a photograph of him to take home with them. They added: 'Ozzy's service was a beautiful tribute. As well as tears, there was laughter.' Stars including Ozzy's Black Sabbath bandmates, Metallica's James Hetfield, punk singer Yungblud and Sir Elton John were all at the service to say goodbye. Rock icon Marilyn Manson was also among the mourners who attended, after flying in from the US, along with Ozzy's guitarist Zakk Wylde and Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor. The road leading to Ozzy and Sharon's home, close to Gerrards Cross, was closed from 1pm. Guests were sent a simple black invitation with a picture of a cross that read: 'In loving memory of Ozzy Osbourne.' Mourners were transported from The Crowne Plaza and The Bull in Gerrards Cross to the house at 2pm, with the service starting at 3pm. Tents were erected in the 250-acre grounds of the house, which Ozzy and Sharon bought back in 1993, along with a stage where tributes were paid to Ozzy. A friend said: 'Everyone at the service just wanted to support Sharon and the kids, it has been an awful time. 'Toasts were raised, memories were shared - it was a very fitting goodbye. 'Ozzy wanted his final place of rest to be at home and he is buried at a beautiful point on the lake. 'As well as the 'Ozzy f***ing Osbourne' wreath, which made people smile, there was another floral tribute which spelt out 'Ozzy' that was placed by the fountain on the lake. 'There was a stage where people including Yungblud, who grew very close to Ozzy in recent years, were set to pay tribute to him. 'The day was incredibly emotional. Pictures of Ozzy were dotted throughout the house and a photograph of him was given to everyone who attended to take home with them.' Rock icon Ozzy died "surrounded by love" at his home on Tuesday, July 22. Since then, Kelly has been remembering her dad with a series of emotional posts. In one video, the singer could be seen sitting around the kitchen table with family during Ozzy's final days. In another, she shared the lyrics to Changes - the Black Sabbath track that she and Ozzy famously re-recorded together in 2003. Last week, Kelly uploaded a third moving clip from the 2018 series Ozzy & Jack's World Detour, showing a sweet moment between father and daughter as they sang and danced together in a truck. The video showed Kelly in the driver's seat of a huge HGV, which the pair were using on a road trip. As Ozzy climbed in, Kelly told him: 'I've got this song in my head, I'm gonna have to play it for you.' She then pressed play on George Ezra's Paradise. Ozzy looked slightly confused as he heard the song for the first time, but as the chorus kicked in, a smile spread across his face. The pair began dancing in their seats, moving their arms, shaking their shoulders and enjoying the moment. As Kelly started driving, she said, 'I love you,' and without missing a beat, Ozzy replied, 'I love you more." It comes as thousands of fans also paid tribute at Ozzy's funeral procession through Birmingham on Wednesday. Sharon and the family followed behind his cortege through the city. Sharon wore Ozzy's ring on a chain around her neck in memory of her late husband, while Kelly donned round sunglasses in a nod her father's famous look. Stoic Sharon and her rarely seen daughter Aimee also waved to the emotional crowd and gave peace signs to fans. They stood alongside Louis, Ozzy's son from his first marriage to Thelma Riley, who was donning a purple tie in honour of his father. Chants of "Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy" rang out, with many shouting messages of support for Sharon. One could be heard saying "we love you Sharon" as she laid flowers next to the cortege. Ozzy's name was displayed in the funeral cortege with vibrant purple flowers. The procession was lead by a live brass band formed with local musicians from Bostin' Brass in honour of Ozzy's legacy. Some fans displayed hand-painted banners, while others are holding Prince of Darkness themed balloons. Many in the crowd were showing off their Ozzy tattoos in honour of the late rock legend. in his six-decade career thanks to his on-stage antics that attracted a legion of heavy rock fans. is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Kelly Osbourne breaks her silence following her father Ozzy's funeral as she shares bold floral tribute for Black Sabbath singer
Kelly Osbourne has broken her silence following her father Ozzy's funeral, as she shared a bold floral tribute to social media on Friday. The Black Sabbath rocker died aged 76 on July 22 and was laid to rest in a private funeral at his Buckinghamshire home on Thursday. Following the emotional day, Kelly shared a picture of a floral tribute to Instagram which read 'Ozzy f***ing Osbourne' Kelly spoke about how well Ozzy was doing in a poignant last interview just two weeks before he died. Just two days before she got engaged to Sid Wilson at Ozzy's final performance with his band in Villa Park, Birmingham, Kelly said her father was feeling 'amazing'. Kelly, 40, said: 'My dad is amazing! He's so excited for his final show on Saturday. There is all the nerves and all the excitement. 'He's sailing through everything, and the rehearsals have been incredible. It's all about him. It's going to be a very emotional moment.' Before getting engaged in front of her father's eyes, Kelly also shared details of her nuptials, with plans to wed across seas to ensure an intimate affair - words that are bittersweet now Ozzy won't be there to walk her down the aisle. She said: 'We were thinking about having a destination wedding because that way only the people who really like you will come. So that is where we are going right now.' Kelly revealed that her famed mother Sharon will be planning her entire wedding as she confessed she 'wants nothing to do with it'. She said: 'I want nothing to do with it, because if it was up to me, we'd get married at the registry office and then take over a pub. 'But it is not up to me, so I'm letting my mum plan it.' Kelly wore Ozzy's trademark purple glasses in a heartbreaking nod to her beloved father at his funeral procession on Wednesday. The heavy metal icon was commemorated in a parade through the city centre - with friends and family including his wife Sharon attending and getting out of the cortege at Black Sabbath Bridge. Ozzy had made known Kelly is his 'favourite child' in the past , previously telling Rolling Stone they were 'like two peas in a pod' as he gushed over their bond. Mother-of-one Kelly covered her tears with the glasses which were a familiar look for Ozzy. She and siblings Jack and Aimee laid floral tributes at the site while supporting Sharon - and they also shared peace signs showing gratitude to the crowds, while accompanied by Ozzy's son Louis from his first marriage to Thelma Riley. And Jack and Kelly were seen sharing an emotional embrace at the Black Sabbath Bridge site that has been wreathed in floral tributes over the past week. Father-of-five Ozzy previously proudly shared how singer, actress and fashion designer Kelly was his most cherished child, telling an interviewer: 'If I've got a favourite kid, it's Kelly.' When asked by Rolling Stone, 'Are Jack and Aimee aware of that?', he replied: 'Oh, they know it! Me and Kelly, we're like two peas in a pod!' The father-daughter duo rereleased a revised version of the song in 2003 which reached number one on the UK singles chart - in it they reflected on their life together.
